Owners have filed 520 complaints
about the 2006 Toyota 4RUNNER with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota 4RUNNER. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 69
13.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 40
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
164.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
379.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
225.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
328.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
297.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4010.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11731.2%
150,000+ miles
8221.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2006peak 19Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Toyota 4RUNNER
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP18002Opened 17 Aug 2018Closed 18 Mar 2022STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Frame corrosion
On August 7, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Gary Weinreich alleging premature frame corrosion failure in model year (MY) 2002 - 2006 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The petitioner based his request upon a corrosion-related front suspension failure he experienced in his MY 2005 Toyota 4Runner, a class action lawsuit settlement involving other Toyota products, and other complaints of underbody corrosion in Toyota 4Runner vehicles that he found in NHTSA?s online complaint database. The petitioner submitted a complaint to NHTSA documenting his experien...
RQ10003Opened 16 Feb 2010Closed 1 Mar 2011ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additiona...
Recalls on the 2006 Toyota 4RUNNER
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V396000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
16V065000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
Risk: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
11V113000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
10V035000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
10V036000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 20160516,962 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the roll rate sensors in the airbag control module may improperly calibrate if the vehicle experiences a body roll motion approximately four seconds after the ignition is turned to the ‘ON’ position. If the vehicle experiences another subsequent body roll motion, the system may erroneously detect a rollover, causing both of the side curtain airbags to deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners to be activated. Unintended airbag and/or seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could result in injury and increase the risk of a vehicle crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag control module with one which has improved programming.
Recall 2011082115,600 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A fully depressed accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2009290 for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Yulee, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that her son was driving at an unknown speed when another vehicle pulled in front of them to change lanes without warning causing her son to t-bone the vehicle and sending the other driver's vehicle to spin crashing into other vehicles nearby. The air bags deployed however their son received 2nd-degree burns on their right and 1st-degree burns on their lower region, and a concussion. The contact was unable to confirm if any other persons received injuries but was able to confirm other vehicles were damaged from the crash. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to their insurance company's facilities who had stated the vehicle was totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11624146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pequot Lakes, MNCrash
STEERING
The Frame and Suspension Components of the vehicle have corroded or rusted badly and prematurely even though the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a known and common occurrence with the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner Vehicles such as this 2006 model. - Currently the upper Rear Differential Stabilizer Arm has completely rusted off causing handling problems with the vehicle. Many areas of the frame are rusted through making it difficult to jack up or raise the vehicle on a hoist. - Problem has been observed and reported by Dealer(s) and Independent Shops I have visited. - This has NOT as yet been inspected by manufacturer representatives other than dealers. - This first appeared in late 2012 when I purchased the vehicle used with approx. 75,000 miles. - In May 2015 I struck a deer with the vehicle travelling on a US Trunk Hwy and the rust problem was reported as being severe by the body shop who repaired the front end damage. Note: The corrosion, in my opinion, did NOT cause the accident with the deer.
NHTSA complaint #11443177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pequot Lakes, MNCrash
SUSPENSION
The Frame and Suspension Components of the vehicle have corroded or rusted badly and prematurely even though the rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a known and common occurrence with the 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner Vehicles such as this 2006 model. - Currently the upper Rear Differential Stabilizer Arm has completely rusted off causing handling problems with the vehicle. Many areas of the frame are rusted through making it difficult to jack up or raise the vehicle on a hoist. - Problem has been observed and reported by Dealer(s) and Independent Shops I have visited. - This has NOT as yet been inspected by manufacturer representatives other than dealers. - This first appeared in late 2012 when I purchased the vehicle used with approx. 75,000 miles. - In May 2015 I struck a deer with the vehicle travelling on a US Trunk Hwy and the rust problem was reported as being severe by the body shop who repaired the front end damage. Note: The corrosion, in my opinion, did NOT cause the accident with the deer.
NHTSA complaint #11443177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame rust damage, normal street driving. Lower control arm mounts disintegrated causing vehicle to be not drivable. Along with complete frame rust that possibly couldve lead to even more dangerous conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11417640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesKnoxville, TNCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ON HIGHWAY WHEN FRAME BROKE BY REAR TIRE CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN. I HAD TOWED TOO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTED FROM RUST AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVE ABLE. WHAT? IT RAN LIKE A CHAMP AND AND I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. DID NORMAL MAINTENANCE LIFE WAS GOOD. THE ENGINE OUT LASTED THE FRAME. THAT IS JUST CRAZY APPARENTLY THE 2006 TACOMA, HIGHLANDER, AND TUNDRA THAT USED SAME FRAME WERE COVERED BUT TOYOTA SKIPPED THE 4 RUNNER. THE FRAME COMPLETELY SPLIT AND WAS CLOSE IN OTHER AREA. THERE MUST BE SOME RECOURSE.
NHTSA complaint #11316446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesKnoxville, TNCrash
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER ON HIGHWAY WHEN FRAME BROKE BY REAR TIRE CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE MEDIAN. I HAD TOWED TOO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTED FROM RUST AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVE ABLE. WHAT? IT RAN LIKE A CHAMP AND AND I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. DID NORMAL MAINTENANCE LIFE WAS GOOD. THE ENGINE OUT LASTED THE FRAME. THAT IS JUST CRAZY APPARENTLY THE 2006 TACOMA, HIGHLANDER, AND TUNDRA THAT USED SAME FRAME WERE COVERED BUT TOYOTA SKIPPED THE 4 RUNNER. THE FRAME COMPLETELY SPLIT AND WAS CLOSE IN OTHER AREA. THERE MUST BE SOME RECOURSE.
NHTSA complaint #11316446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Massillon, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
unknown, vehicle started to leak a fluid, took vehicle to mechanic shop they said frame rotted to the point they would not let me drive it home had to have it towed and now without transportation. the almost identical frames on other toyota vehicles were recalled for exactly the same problem. i dont understand why toyota will stand behind some of their vehicles and take care of some of the toyota owners but not all.
NHTSA complaint #11743956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradford, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame is rotting away. The tacomas, tundras, sequoia were recalled for this issue. The tacomas frame is very close in design to the 4runner. The main difference is the 4runner uses coil springs whereas the tacoma used leaf springs. Toyota stated that because the 4runner was made in Japan unlike the others that were made in the USA, that the 4runners were not part of the recall.most of the 4runners that are no longer drivable, are because of rotted frames. The repair kits that fix the rotted frames on the tacomas are the same kits that fix the 4runners. Now toyota won't even touch my vehicle for other repairs because of the rot holes.
NHTSA complaint #11732907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairview, OR
VISIBILITY/WIPER
MYself and my fiancee were driving to our family's home, the rear defrost was on due to foggy windows as we were driving down the road there was a loud noise from the back half of the 4 runner. I had turned and looked back behind me and the rear hatch window was completely shattered. Its still intact in the window frame but about to fall out. This happened out of nowhere no warnings or anything.
NHTSA complaint #11703997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Milford, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
The frame under the car rusted so much that the gas tank literally fell through the frame to the ground. This put my son at risk and fortunately he was able to pull over in a residential area and exit the vehicle. A mechanic and welding company both assessed the vehicle and acknowledged the u unusual and excessive rusting. In researching online and speaking to car experts, this seems and is confirmed to be poor manufacturing and materials used for the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11686705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Excessive frame corrosion
NHTSA complaint #11685575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reinholds, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dangerous and rusted through frame. The vehicles frame should have been recalled like the other Toyotas affected.
NHTSA complaint #11674391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We took the vehicle in for inspection and it failed due to the exhaust leaks, and more importantly the frame rusting out. We never received the recall notice for this issue. We have owned this vehicle for many years, so there is no reason we would not have been notified for the recall of the frame. The vehicle was just serviced last year and we spent a great deal of money to keep it running properly so we would not have any issues and it would last us for quite a long time to come. With the frame being rusted through, there is simply no way to keep this vehicle safe. Toyota did not notify customers that had the vehicles with the frame issue. This is something that is simply not acceptable. We are a family of Toyota owners and have always depended on the reliability of them. Finding this out has really shocked us and honestly diminished our trust in the Toyota reliability. Is Toyota willing to fix this issue, are we just stuck with this. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11641564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
We took the vehicle in for inspection and it failed due to the exhaust leaks, and more importantly the frame rusting out. We never received the recall notice for this issue. We have owned this vehicle for many years, so there is no reason we would not have been notified for the recall of the frame. The vehicle was just serviced last year and we spent a great deal of money to keep it running properly so we would not have any issues and it would last us for quite a long time to come. With the frame being rusted through, there is simply no way to keep this vehicle safe. Toyota did not notify customers that had the vehicles with the frame issue. This is something that is simply not acceptable. We are a family of Toyota owners and have always depended on the reliability of them. Finding this out has really shocked us and honestly diminished our trust in the Toyota reliability. Is Toyota willing to fix this issue, are we just stuck with this. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11641564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshfield WI, WI
SUSPENSION
My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.
NHTSA complaint #11630483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshfield WI, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 4runner have major frame rust issues and is a major safety hazard. This a known issue to Toyota and a recall needs to be made.
NHTSA complaint #11630483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yulee, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that her son was driving at an unknown speed when another vehicle pulled in front of them to change lanes without warning causing her son to t-bone the vehicle and sending the other driver's vehicle to spin crashing into other vehicles nearby. The air bags deployed however their son received 2nd-degree burns on their right and 1st-degree burns on their lower region, and a concussion. The contact was unable to confirm if any other persons received injuries but was able to confirm other vehicles were damaged from the crash. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to their insurance company's facilities who had stated the vehicle was totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11624146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
WHEELS
UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage
NHTSA complaint #11587743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage
NHTSA complaint #11587743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
SUSPENSION
UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage
NHTSA complaint #11587743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkeley Springs, WV
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The rear window on my 2006 4Runner suddenly shattered. I had just cleared the car of snow, put my son in the car and left the house. Less than 1/10th of a mile down the road it exploded. Glass could have gone all over the child in the backseat. There have been past issues. Toyota offered an extended warranty on the part until 2018, so they are aware of the problem. Not yet. No warnings.
NHTSA complaint #11564329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that after a State Inspection, the vehicle was declared unsafe to drive on the State roadways due to severe corrosion. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the subframe needed to be replaced due to extensive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11562336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
O Fallon, MO
TRAILER HITCHES
While towing a 16' utility trailer using the 2" ball on a Switch Ball #42178, the ball separated from the shank. I was driving my 2007 Toyota 4Runner traveling on the highway at about 60mph at the time. Fortunately the safety chains did their job and prevented the trailer from completely disconnecting from the vehicle. Upon stopping my vehicle several hundred feet after separation, I found the 2" ball still locked and secured inside of the trailer's coupler, and the shank still securely attached to my vehicle. As a result my rear bumper is now heavily damaged from the trailer contacting it after uncoupling from the vehicle. I'm glad nobody was hurt or killed as a result of this incident. If the safety chains had not done their job, the unattached trailer could have caused serious damage, injury, and/or death. This incident could have also resulted in losing control of my vehicle, which thankfully I did not. This Switch Ball #42178 was purchased in September of 2022 and this was the first time I've used it. At the time of the incident I had towed the trailer approximately 75 miles. I have a background in selling and installing utility trailers and towing accessories. I'm confident the product was installed and used as directed. I contacted Curt Manufacturing with the above concerns. At their request I shipped the trailer ball to them for inspection. They have denied any responsibility stating their product did not fail. They have blamed the incident on "user error". I'm happy to share all communication with the NHTSA. I am including pictures of the damage to my bumper which was caused by the trailer after the Curt ball became disconnected from it's mating shank. I can share more about my assessment of why this failure occurred upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11553861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Horseheads, NY
SUSPENSION
My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.
NHTSA complaint #11529092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Horseheads, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.
NHTSA complaint #11529092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
Corrosion of pistons in front brake calipers results in an increase in braking stopping distance. Everytime the front brake pads are replaced the same issue is encountered, defect has taken place three times. In the four piston brake caliper the inside pistons on both the left and right caliper are frozen in place . The brake pads on the outside position have twice as much wear as the inside pads. This is an indication of uneven braking leading to increased stopping distance . Toyota maintains , there is not a problem, yet in forums on the web there are many experiences with owners having the same problem , resulting in costly repair bills. There is no warning of reduced braking efficiency .
NHTSA complaint #11511454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The vehicle headlights have failed on multiple occasions. The cause of the failures was ingress of water into the sealed headlamp assembly. The problem was reported to Toyota. Toyota took no action regarding the reports. The entire headlight assembly was replaced three (3) times at our expense. The problem persists. Attached is a photograph of the second (replaced) clearly showing water inside the headlight assembly. The current (most recent replacement) has also experienced water ingress and is available for inspection. The subject vehicle was inspected by three different body shops (two if which are authorized Toyota shops). It was confirmed by all three shops that there is no vehicle design feature that could cause water ingress in the headlamp assembly. This is a serious safety issue and has been brought to Toyota's attention with no response.
NHTSA complaint #11510430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batesville, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frame is corroded and rusted to the point that it’s not safe to drive. This was discovered by our service technician when we had the vehicle inspected for a rattling noise in the rear. I reached out to Toyota and was told that no problems are available regarding this issue. I have maintained my 4Runner meticulously and timely since I purchased brand new. There is no rust on the body, just the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11510240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2006 4Runner Toyota frame is rusted and falling into pieces. From the rear especially and underneath. I’m scared if someone rear ends me that the impact could be life threatening due to the frame falling to pieces as I drive and the vehicle sits.
NHTSA complaint #11500583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Methuen, MA
SUSPENSION
My car is a 2006 Toyota 4Runner. This past summer I had a tire leaking and took it to the garage for repair. The mechanic stated that the frame is rusting out in the front right, tire rod area, and saw a pinhole. Last week I took the vehicle to get a transmission oil change. That mechanic saw that there's more rust that is spreading throughout the entire frame, worse than the area found from just a few months ago. I learned online that Toyota had purposely used cheap steel for the frame and had replaced the same frame used on other trucks such as the Tacoma and Highlander but is refusing to replace the 4Runner. These rusted out frames are affecting many 4Runners. I have a 1964 Cadillac and that frame is in better condition than the 4Runner. I'm forced to pay $15,000 to replace the frame or salvage my car. It shouldn't have come to this, especially when the same frame that was replace on other trucks isn't being replaced for mine.
NHTSA complaint #11495340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 17 year old son was parked and when he turned off the defrost the rear hatchback glass shattered. This scared him a lot as we do not know what happened and thankfully he was parked not driving. This is a safety and potentially dangerous issue. We purchased this used vehicle and had Toyota thoroughly inspect and update and upgrade anything he needed and they never told us this was an issue. We researched it online and it has been an issue. This should have been addressed and recalled. I brought in vehicle so that they can fix it and they are saying they won’t even though it’s their equipment defect.
NHTSA complaint #11495079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.